Birthday presents are a perfect way to express affection for a loved one or to mark a special occasion. Although gift buying may feel burdensome and stressful at times, there is nothing better than seeing someone you care for open a present that they really love and appreciate.
Finding a unique and exciting gift specially designed for a particular person shows that you really know and understand them. To do this it is important to consider who you’re buying for, as well as your budget. Gifts can be edible, practical or activity based, depending on the preferences of who you’re buying for.
Read on for a comprehensive buyer’s guide to birthday gifts, with everything you need to know to find that perfect present.
Consider Who You’re Buying For
There’s no one-size-fits-all gift for a birthday purchase, as everyone in your life will have different interests and preferences. This will also dictate the level of formality and the nature of the gift.
The various categories you may wish to buy for could include:
Family
This is probably one of the groups of people that you’ve been buying for all your life - but it is never too late to step up your purchasing habits for that beloved parent or sibling. Consider more thoughtful gifts that may be appreciated by grandparents, or supplying your younger relatives with practical items as they make their first steps into adulthood, with purchases to support them as they move house or get a new job.
Friends
Buying for friends can be easy when you’ve known them for a long time, and you can take note of their interests and needs throughout the year. For newer acquaintances, a well-chosen and thoughtful birthday gift can cement your blossoming friendship, and make a statement about your good intentions.
Partners
A partner’s birthday is an opportunity to show how much you care. Whether you’ve been married for years, or have recently started dating, a judiciously chosen gift can affirm your affection and be an assertion of sincerity. Choosing something that your loved one will really like is also a great way to show how well you know them.
Colleagues
Colleagues in your workplace may also fall into the friendship category, or they could represent more casual acquaintances. Either way, it’s always nice to show you care on their special day, even with a small or budget-friendly gift. Having a workplace collection or group present is also a good method of buying for someone you don’t know overly well.
Pets
Of course it’s not only people in your life that have birthdays in need of celebrating. Whether they know it or not, your much-loved pet is also deserving of a birthday gift, either in the form of a new toy or simply their favourite treat to mark the occasion. This is especially important as your pet gets older, where every day is to be celebrated and savoured.
Choosing The Perfect Gift
When it comes down to the gift-buying process, you will want to consider what kind of present you’re looking for. This will change depending on levels of desired formality, as well as what your gift receiver is interested in.
Categories you might like to consider could include useful or practical gifts, personalised items, and activity-based purchases. Deciding what the receiver really wants will help you to make a unique and appropriate selection.
Useful Gifts
There can be nothing worse for a practical person than receiving a gift that they know they just won’t use. Some people only ask for presents when they really need something or prefer to receive items that won’t clutter their home, or even worse, end up being thrown away.
Consider what your friend, colleague or loved one might actually need or want. A new homeowner might like a collection of wine glasses or salt and pepper shakers, whilst those who love to work may appreciate practical stationery or desk decor.
Personalised Gifts
Often a gift receiver will recognise if they’ve simply been given a generic present, or if the item has been specially picked out according to their interests. Taking note of what someone you know mentions or comments on while out and about is a great way to come up with gift ideas. This shows that you really care and that you’re not just making last-minute buying choices.
Personalisation can also be enacted in a more literal sense - mugs, wallets and stationery can all be engraved, embroidered and adorned with names and messages. For a loved one, a piece of jewellery featuring an initial or hidden note can make a unique gift to treasure.
Activity Gifts
Some people prefer to receive experiences rather than physical items. Depending on your budget, this could mean buying anything from plane tickets for their dream holiday, to a gift voucher for an afternoon tea.
Activities can also be craft based if the receiver has a particular interest. Creative supplies for your friend that loves to paint, knit or crochet will be well-received. For those with green-fingered friends, gardening supplies and tools provide a wealth of present options.
Budget Limitations
Once you’ve worked out who you’re buying for and what they might like, it is then vital to consider your financial limitations. This will help you to direct your search and avoid overspending.
You might like to consider how the context of your gift dictates the budget - does your office have a price cap on present buying, or have you agreed on expenditure limits with your partner? Remember an extravagant gift isn’t always appreciated by some.
If you are working within a limited budget, you can always consider more creative or homemade gifting options. Also sometimes a small personal gift can mean more than an expensive purchase - keep in mind that it’s always the thought that counts!
Last Minute Purchases
If you’re short of time and out of ideas, then your go-to staples for any person would always include food and flowers. A well-chosen sweet or chocolate selection can bring a smile to someone’s face, whilst a birthday cake is an essential purchase.
Flowers are also appreciated by most and are an appropriate gift for any occasion. There are floral options and varieties to suit any budget. You may also like to consider the hidden meaning of your bouquet by investigating the traditional language of flowers, where each variety and colour conveys a specific sentiment.
Sugar Rush Sweeties: A Unique Birthday Gift
At Sugar Rush Sweeties, we provide a range of sweet boxes and selections that make the perfect present for anyone with a sweet-tooth. We offer specially curated birthday mixes, available in a 1kg box or bag which can be delivered to the door of the buyer, or sent directly to whoever’s celebrating a birthday.
Our birthday products are suitable for all ages and dietary requirements and we offer vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Pick n Mix, Imported Specialites & Much More
In addition to our birthday range, we also offer a comprehensive pick n pix service, where you can choose from a selection of old classics and modern favourites. These are available to purchase in a range of box sizes, starting at 550g and going up to 2kg.
We also have a range of sugary classics that are priced at a budget-friendly £2 and under, including sherbet dippers and juicy drop gummies.
For the more adventurous sugar lovers, we supply a comprehensive range of imported candy, drinks and snacks.
Order A Sweets Delivery Today
We provide an affordable monthly subscription service to keep you well supplied with sugary treats. You can order a sweet subscription box of your own choosing, or can select a pre-packed fizzy sweet box, sent straight to your door.
Our subscription system consists of three different levels to suit your needs:
Bronze - our standard 1kg sweet box or bag, delivered to your door every month
Silver - in addition to your 1kg box, we will also include a mystery bundle of American candy
Gold - our premium subscription option, this gets you a mystery hamper of imported sweets
At Sugar Rush Sweeties, we deliver locally and nationwide. You can also visit our physical shop headquarters in Leeds for an in-person sweet treats experience.
Contact us today for more information about our range of products, or choose a subscription plan now to receive a sweet selection on your doorstep.